Consign to Oblivion

6. Mundane

Shaurya was sitting beside Mehek, explaining his day in detail. Jeevan and Kanta though high of him as he never missed to spend time with her but in truth he was taunting Mehek. He had managed to cover another milestone in business. He really proud about himself. With each and every sentence, he was mocking her inability to handle her legacy. Mehek never managed to win anything as she was only good at spending her father's money and tarnishing his image. 

"So you see, I made another profitable deal. With it, my company shares will touch the sky", Shaurya chuckled viciously, "Mehek, you can never imagine, how happy I am", he made fun of her, "you can never, can you? Tst. Tst", he acted to pity her, "Poor princess only knew to squander money and f*ck around". He adjusted her hair tenderly. For onlooker, he may look like an adorable husband while he detested her the most.

"More money I make, the better treatment I am forced to give you, Dear wife", Shauyra spewed viciously, "adding days to your pathetic existence". He drummed his fingers softly over her arms while sipping his drink, "adorning your prefect body with luxuries that your rotten mind don't deserve". He smirked, "but you can do nothing, Mehek. Just like that little life you muffled in your womb, you will lay helpless till I decide". He moved closer to her ears, whispering sympathetically, "But don't be sad since I am with you. Just as helpless as you are, still bonded to your vegetable body", he retrieved and laughed out loud. "Cheers for our victory", he tossed aloud so that other could misunderstand his celebration with Mehek.

Next day, when Shaurya woke up, he was already in his room. By the time, he did his morning routine and came out, Nehal greeted him with a tea. "What are you doing here?", he asked being irked. "I know you don't like my presence but please bear with me", she pled him while walking inside. "Aunty insisted that I spend some time with you", she didn't hide her predicament, "even Jeevan Uncle agreed to her". He raised his eyebrow questioning her so she explained, "you drank a lot last night. Blabbering, hooting and laughing. As if celebrating with Mehek". "We were celebrating my success. It's nothing new. I always shared my win with Mehek", he was offended. "That's what they all thought until...", she stalled nervously. "until what?", her silence was irritating. "Until they found you passed out on floor", she replied quickly. His confidence faltered as he tried to mask his turmoil.

"You can talk to me if you want", Nehal slowly nudged him to talk. Shaurya was still wary. The medicine along with lime tea she offered did help his hangover. He was baffled on his own behaviour. He seldom loses control, never infront of Mehek. Yesterday, he achieved a huge milestone owing to his hard work and caliber. Many would have thrown a lavish party but he rushed home to inform his comatose wife. He preferred to torture her with his victory rather than being happy with others. "I have nothing to talk", he tried to avoid Nehal, "I need to tend to Mehek". "Aunty and Nurse had already taken care of her, Shaurya", she informed, making him realise that it was almost noon. "Mehek is fine. I saw her myself"., Nehal informed him. "Can we go out for a short walk?", she proposed, expecting him to refuse but surprisingly he agreed..

"How do you manage you urges?", Nehal was curious. Shaurya laughed out loud. Despite his reservation, she managed to keep him amused. "You have a lot of questions today, Nehal", he mocked her, "Are you trying to know me better to trap me?". She shook her head vehemently. He didn't doubt her. It was evident that she was in love with her boyfriend. Yet she is still a possible threat to leak his secrets. "Sorry, but I was a bit curious", she explained, "it's been so many years since Mehek...", she paused. "My work keep me busy, Nehal. After that, I only have time to take care of Mehek", he replied coldly. "You are young and healthy, Shaurya. Your devotion for Mehek's well-being is unquestionable. One could only wish for a loyal partner like you", he mentally patted himself when she praised his false image. "If I may add my two cents", she sought his permission and before commenting, "As an onlooker, I feel you are losing yourself"

"I know we are putting a façade but I genuinely wish you find someone for yourself", Nehal told him honestly. Although Shaurya had agreed to take a stroll to just to refresh his mind, he felt good to talk to her. Even when he kept his cards close to his chest, her words were solace to him. "No one will blame you if you pursue a relationship", she advised. "I am sure Kanta Aunty won't be too happy", he mocked her. "Scr*w Her", her outburst surprised him but before he could speak she added vehemently, "People like her just know how to manipulate and exploit  helplessness of another. If I had a way, I would have stood against her but I can't", she tried hard to bite down her tears. He looked away to hide his pity for her. It didn't miss him that her Aunt has royally p*mped her to seduce a rich man who is devoid pleasures from his wife.

"Think for yourself, Shaurya. Don't allow these selfish people dictate your life. They have ruined you enough, still shamelessly leeching on your wealth", Nehal told him strongly. He looked on to the rebellious spark in her eyes. The same he had seen in Mehek. For a moment, he questioned whether Mehek was as helpless & unhappy as Nehal. "One day when I reach end of my patience, I will revolt. Perhaps it will be last day of my life", she spoke determinedly  A sense of protection emerged from his chest. So he didn't think twice before embracing her before she shed tears. "Don't be absurd. You will live a long life with the man you love", he consoled her. "I am afraid, I will end up like Mehek", she whimpered against his chest. "No you won't", he rebuked her, "you are better than her".

Kanta saw Shaurya waving at Nehal as she drove away in her car. She was joyful sensing that Shaurya and Nehal are coming closer. "Don't get your hopes high", Jeevan warned her. She scoffed at him, "they will be good for one another". Although Jeevan wanted Shaurya to have a fulfilling life and Nehal to be settled, he was not fully into his wife's plan to push them together. "Let them decide Kanta. You did your part now just stay back", he advised her sternly. "I cannot", she was adamant, "Don't you see it. Shaurya won't stay like a hermit for long. One day some gold digger will sway him. Then we will be out of this house".

"This house was never ours", Jeevan reminded her, "It belonged to my brother and after him it is Mehek's. We still have our own house where we should have shifted long back". "That pigeon hole is not worthy to be called a house", Kanta scowled. "Yet it is ours", he tried make his point, "our refuge". "I am never going back there", she acted stubborn, "when Nehal settles as Shaurya's wife, our position here will be cemented". Jeevan shook his head in dismay. Rather than going back reading mundane news article, he had no other go. Arguing with Kanta was never fruitful. He wished they are not pushing Neha and Shaurya into another doomed relationship